NERC: Kano group stage protest, urge Senate to confirm Abdullahi as Chairman

A Kano-based advocacy group, Grassroots Initiative Concept, on Monday staged a peaceful protest calling on the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, to immediately confirm Engr. Ramat Abdullahi as the Executive Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The protesters, who carried placards with inscriptions such as “NERC needs Ramat now,” “President Tinubu’s appointee should be respected by the NASS,” “Release the report of the screening of Engr. Ramat,” “Engr. Ramat is the right person for NERC,” and “National Assembly cannot be a clog in the wheel of energy reforms,” urged the Senate to respect the recommendation of its Committee on Power and complete the confirmation process.

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Reading a letter addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and copied to President Bola Tinubu, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, the spokesperson of the group, Ahmed Suleiman, stated that Engr. Abdullahi had over the years served diligently and honorably in various capacities within the Kano State government and in his private ventures, adding that he possesses all the requisite qualifications to lead the power institution.

Suleiman added that there was no justification for the delay in confirming Engr. Abdullahi, who had already been screened and recommended by the relevant Senate committee.

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“We respectfully bring to your attention a matter of significant concern: the yet-to-be-concluded confirmation of our son, Engr. Ramat Abdullahi, as Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

“Engr. Abdullahi has, over the past decade, served diligently and honorably in various capacities—ranging from local governance to advisory roles within the Kano State government, as well as in his private ventures. His public service record is distinguished by integrity, competence, and dedication to national development. He possesses the requisite academic and professional qualifications, as well as valuable experience, to lead a strategic institution as critical as NERC at this pivotal time in our country’s energy journey.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in recognition of Engr. Abdullahi’s capabilities and alignment with the reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, nominated him for this important position. Following his nomination, he appeared before the Senate Committee on Power, chaired by Distinguished Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, where he was screened and strongly recommended for confirmation.

“It was therefore surprising and deeply unsettling that, despite being listed on the Senate Order Paper for confirmation on 22 October 2025, the process did not take place. We have since been informed that certain vested interests have mounted pressure to block his confirmation by advancing false narratives and politically motivated petitions. These actions are not only unfounded but represent a dangerous attempt to undermine merit, institutional integrity, and due process.”

He appealed to the National Assembly leadership to act swiftly in the interest of national progress.

“We therefore respectfully urge the esteemed leadership of the Senate, under the guidance of the President of the Senate and the Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Barau Jibrin, not to yield to the machinations of those who do not wish Nigeria well or who seek to undermine the success of Mr. President. Rather, we appeal to you to uphold the supremacy of national interest by presenting the Committee’s report to the full Senate and ensuring the prompt confirmation of Engr. Ramat Abdullahi without further delay.

“Doing so is not only in the interest of Kano State; it is in the interest of Nigeria’s unity, the success of the Tinubu administration, and the strengthening of democratic institutions. History will thus remember this Senate for standing on the side of fairness, patriotism, and progress.

“We trust in your leadership, your commitment to justice, and your fidelity to the constitutional responsibility of the Senate as a guardian of democracy,” the group stated.

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